| 224 Summary Dementia encompasses a decline in cognitive functions such as memory loss and behavioral symptoms and a diagnosis often has a far-reaching impact on health and wellbeing. People living with dementia over time require support, usually offered by informal caregivers and healthcare professionals. Informal caregivers often experience caregiver burden, affecting their mental and physical health. Formal support services are crucial in helping individuals and informal caregivers manage the challenges of dementia, yet accessing and utilizing these services can be perceived as challenging. This thesis explores and integrates the perspectives of people with dementia, informal caregivers and healthcare professionals. Several methods are used to gain a comprehensive understanding of views and experiences from pre-diagnosis to post-diagnostic support. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction to the topic of dementia diagnosis and subsequent support by informal caregivers and healthcare professionals. Chapter 2 explores the diagnostic trajectory from the perspectives of people with memory complaints and their significant others. An integrative literature review zeroed in on preferences regarding diagnostic testing. Results illustrate the complexity of the diagnostic process and that preferences of people with memory complaints and significant others are formed based on the feeling of needing to do something about symptoms, beliefs on the necessity and expected outcomes of starting diagnostic testing. These feelings are influenced by the normalization or validation of symptoms, the support or wishes of the social network, interactions with healthcare professionals, the health status of the person with memory complaints, and societal factors such as stigma and socioeconomic status. Chapter 3 utilizes a mixed methods approach to investigate the transition between the diagnostic trajectory and post-diagnostic support from a healthcare professional viewpoint. Results show dissatisfaction with the link between diagnosis and post-diagnostic support. Key factors influencing the transition from diagnosis to support are interdisciplinary collaboration and awareness of informational resources for people with dementia. In addition, healthcare professionals who are engaged in both the diagnostic process and post-diagnostic support are better able to bridge the gap between diagnosis and support.
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